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Overview

Sahara Jones is going into fifth grade-again. Although she won't be "Sahara Special" anymore (special needs, that is), she doesn't expect this year to be any better than last year.

Fifth grade is going to be different, though, because Sahara's class is getting a new teacher. With her eggplant-colored lipstick and strange subjects such as "Puzzling" and "Time Travel," Miss Pointy is like no other teacher Sahara has ever known. With her help, Sahara just might find a way to redefine special for herself.

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Product Details

About the Author

Esmé Raji Codell is the author of Hanukkah, Shmanukkah!, illustrated by LeUyen Pham, Diary of a Fairy Godmother, with illustrations by Drazen Kozjan; a memoir for young readers, Sing a Song of Tuna Fish: Hard-to-Swallow Stories from Fifth Grade, and the IRA Children's Book Award winner, Sahara Special. Her first book was the memoir Educating Esmé: Diary of a Teacher's First Year, and her most recent book for adults is How To Get Your Child to Love Reading. She has worked as a children's bookseller, teacher, and school librarian, and now runs the popular children's literature Web site www.planetesme.com, and literary salon, The Planet Esmé Bookroom. Esmé lives in Chicago with her husband and son.

Editorial Reviews

The Barnes & Noble ReviewFirst-time children's book author Esmè Raji Codell delivers an uplifting tale of one girl's discovery of her inner talent with the aid of a remarkable teacher.

When a self-conscious and quiet Sahara Jones gets put into Special Needs class, she gets dubbed "Sahara Special." Thankfully, her mom insists that she be put with the other kids, and Sahara winds up with Madame Poitier, or "Miss Pointy," as her teacher. Miss Pointy exposes her class to eccentric subjects like Puzzling and Mad Science, talks one-on-one to students through class journals and notes, and treats her students with respect and fairness. Slowly, Sahara begins to feel like a talented human being as Miss Pointy encourages her to tap into her writing talent, and when Sahara receives a personal gift, she feels extra-special indeed.

Quiet and gentle, with an underlying sense of power -- a reflection of the main character herself -- Codell's novel is an inspiring read that will touch readers' spirits. Audiences will be entranced by the author's almost magical storytelling, while budding writers in particular will be encouraged by Sahara's inner shine. An excellent read that will speak to kids, parents, and especially teachers. Matt Warner

bn.com

In her first book for children, the author of Educating Esme: Diary of a Teacher's First Year shows a keen understanding of classroom dynamics, a finely tuned ear for preadolescent voices and a lively, original wit. Her feisty narrator, Sahara Jones, does none of her schoolwork even though she loves to read and writes in secret she's been traumatized by her father's abandonment. Her classmates call her Sahara Special because she has to work with the special-needs teacher out in the hall along with the disruptive Darrell Sikes. When Sahara's mother objects to the arrangement, Sahara is held back to repeat the fifth grade; Sahara is thrilled to transfer from the land of special dumb to the realm of normal dumb. Her new fifth-grade teacher, Madame Poitier, better known as Miss Pointy, is dedicated but irreverent, and not easily categorized (She was pale, but I couldn't tell for sure if she was white or Asian or Puerto Rican, or maybe light-skinned black, observes the narrator. Miss Pointy wins her students' trust and manages to instill in them hope and confidence; while the outcome can be predicted, Miss Pointy's methods (and Sahara's responses) are full of surprises. Presenting memorable characters in spirited scenes, this novel will surely be empowering for reluctant learners and thought-provoking and gratifying for everyone. Ages 8-12. (Apr.) Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

Publishers Weekly

Gr 4-6-Sahara Jones finds a way out of the special-needs classroom and into the mainstream school population, where she not only learns quite a bit about herself, but also teaches others in the process. In the audio production Phylicia Rashad performs brilliantly, portraying children from a variety of backgrounds. Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

School Library Journal

Sahara Jones really is Sahara Special. Although she's given the name because she receives Special Education services, it becomes a true description of the person hidden within her. Her mother recognizes these hidden depths and demands that she be removed from Special Education and given the chance to succeed or fail by her own will. Enter Miss Poitier, usually called Miss Pointy, an extraordinary new teacher who teaches "time travel," "puzzling," and other odd subjects. She challenges, probes, inspires, praises, chides, and otherwise awakens Sahara and most of her classmates. Sahara has always written in her secret journals, tearing out pages and hiding them in the back of the "900" shelves in the public library for them to be found and marveled at by some future reader. Some of her writing, especially unsent letters to her runaway father, have been confiscated and placed in an official school file. Now she has a school journal, read only by her teacher. At first terrified of writing anything that will be seen by a teacher, she spends her time really listening, soaking up the evocative vocabulary that fills every discussion, and immersing herself in the poetry that Miss Pointy provides without comment or direction. When she finally allows herself to raise her hand in class, to open herself to friendships, and most of all, to write from the heart, she recognizes that she truly is Sahara Special. Codell has created a remarkable, unforgettable cast of characters. Sahara's first-person account beautifully and poignantly captures her tenuous steps to a sense of self-understanding and maturity that is rare indeed. Oh that a teacher the likes of Miss Poitier could really survive and multiply inour regimented, standards- and test-driven public schools. An absolutely lovely debut for children from the author of Educating Esmé (1999). (Fiction. 10-14)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

Very enjoyable and inspirational story about a girl in 5th grade and a wonderful teacher who helps her realize her dreams. Highly recommended to all ages.

abbylibrarian on LibraryThing

More than 1 year ago

Sahara has been mistakenly labeled as a special needs student because she refuses to do her work and writes letters to her absent father instead. When Sahara's mother insists on removing her from the special ed program, Sahara must repeat fifth grade. The moment her new teacher walks in the classroom, Sahara knows that this year will be different. Miss Poitier (a.k.a. Miss Pointy) is unlike any teacher the students have ever had before, and she won't give up on any of them. Having read Codell's memoir about teaching, I know that the teacher character is based on herself. I liked that she tried to get inside the mind of a student and she brought up the issue of labeling students. Because Sahara had been labeled "special needs", other teachers might have been tempted to treat her differently. The story is told with a real warmth and it kept my interest. I listened to the audiobook, which is narrated by Phylicia Rashad (of The Cosby Show fame, among other things). I really enjoyed Rashad's reading and she's a narrator I will look for in the future.

MollyK_2 on LibraryThing

More than 1 year ago

A book written from the perspective of a child living in the inner-city... good read for teachers.

edenjean on LibraryThing

More than 1 year ago

Written from the point of view of a girl repeating fifth grade, Sahara Special is a story of personal development, making friends, and not judging a book by its cover. Sahara's difficult life is very relatable for students from all backgrounds, from her poor performance in school to her single-parent household, as well as her love of reading and her lack of friends. Sahara gets the nickname Sahara Special during her first fifth grade year, when she has to sit in the hall with the Special Needs teacher each day, who she only thinks of as Ms. Peaches. After her mother has an argument with her teacher Sahara is taken out of Special Needs, fails the year and must repeat fifth grade. Her new fifth grade class gets a new, unique teacher named Ms. Poitier, who has very clever and unusual teaching methods that seem to get through to the more troubled students. One method is the Trouble Basket, into which students put their troubles at the beginning of each school day as they enter the classroom. Ms. Poitier offers the students their troubles to take back on their way home, but no one ever takes them. The teacher also has students keep a journal that they write in each day, and through the journals she communicates with Sahara about her wanting to be a writer. Sahara's point of view is colored by the fact that her father left when she was in third grade. The family troubles of her classmates are also revealed throughout the story, and the classmates help or hurt each other just students their age really do. The realistic narrative, Sahara's unique perspective, and the students' constant battering with the quirky Ms. Poitier make "Sahara Special" a very good read. It is especially appropriate for readers ages 8 to 12.

josier80 on LibraryThing

More than 1 year ago

I really liked this story of Sahara who never spoke in class and was given special needs help which just made her feel more different from her peers. I thought she was a well-rounded character and all the supporting characters were believable. Through a new teacher, she is able to find her voice again and rejoin her classmates in education, but it all seemed a little cliche to me. I liked the smart teacher and her quick responses to disruption. I think young girls would like Sahara's voice, but I don't think it would find a large audience. It seems like a novel that needs just the right reader because it focuses so closely on the education/class/schoolwork aspect of Sahara's life. I think just a little bit more about gaining new friends and reconnecting with her mom would give it a wider audience.

dee_kohler on LibraryThing

More than 1 year ago

Sahara has a problem with school work, she's unorganized, she doesn't finish her work and although she thinks of herself as a writer, she doesn't write. Instead she is given special education services which her mother decides is not working for her. A new 5th grade teacher helps Sahara find the voice she needs. Found this book very reminiscent of Codell's other book The education of esme.

kdebros on LibraryThing

More than 1 year ago

Great book from the point of view of a closed-off girl who was enrolled in special ed, and how she opened up. Love! Very accessible, very well-written, both touching and funny.

JRlibrary on LibraryThing

More than 1 year ago

Sahara's mom pulls her out of her special needs class because she hears horror stories about one of the other children in the class. Sahara doesn't think grade five will be very different, but a special teacher manages to make it a great year. Suitable for grades 4 - 6

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

Beautiful story. I read this with my 8 year old daughter after reading &quot;Vive La Paris&quot;, another novel by the author. They are both written so well. Each night, we would read way past her bedtime because we enjoyed the story so much. I highly recommend this book.

jb70

More than 1 year ago

I listened to this book on audio with my children in the car. It is read by Phylicia Rashad who took me back in time a bit to the Cosby Show. I considered trying to tell my children how I used to watch a TV show she was on, but thought it might take too much time. I almost turned this story off soon after we started it because of some questionable words, but I am glad we stuck with it. Part of me wanted to give it a chance and the other part knew we had a longish drive ahead of us and it was the only audio book I had brought along.
Sahara has stopped doing any work at school because she doesn't want the school counselor to have anything else to put in her file but on her own she is writing her life story and hiding it in a little used section of the public library. Getting a new teacher who doesn't read files and doesn't put limits on her students is the best thing that could have happened to Sahara and her classmates. She grows and changes so much through the story, and as with a lot of growth, it isn't always easy or painless.
I loved how Miss Pointy had her students write in journals every day. I recall a seventh grade teacher I had who had us keep a manilla folder with paper and we were given regular time to write, sometimes on a prompt and others on whatever we wanted to write. I loved that time and I really think it helped me to grow and understand myself better. It was a school year where I really felt like the future was open before me and possibilities were there, and that is what Sahara comes away with. She also comes to see herself as special as a person and not in having special needs that need individualized attention in the classroom. For children I think it shows that having belief in yourself can change things that you think are set in stone, sometimes it is our own inner critic that is keeping us from moving ahead.

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

NorthReadingMom

More than 1 year ago

I checked this audio book out of the library for a long family trip. The audio book is read by Phylicia Rashad, who has a lovely voice and who is a fabulous reader. You should have seen my entire family RUN back to the car after rest stops (parents too) to get back to the CD! Also the frantic cries, "Wait! Rewind! I didn't hear that! Rewind!" Although some of the material and themes are on the mature side, it is a truly rewarding story that gives the listener a lot to think about. In particular, one main character in the story illustrates that even if a teacher [parent/boss/partner] does NOT know how to solve a problem that another person has, he/she can use the amazingly powerful tools of patience, respect and acceptance to encourage personal growth and a good outcome for that other person. I found the story to be inspirational and highly practical while avoiding sentimentality.

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

cinammonbunny

More than 1 year ago

I was at my school library and came across this book!!! it looked interesting, so i skimmed the pages. but then a word caught my eye. i went back to the page with where the word caught my eye and it said the B word. the bad b word. it actually was written there, in a children's book. i was so surprised. so i put the book down and didnt get it.

Guest

More than 1 year ago

Sahara Special is about a girl who has special help in school and alot of the time is made fun of it. Her parents are divorced and she is trying to get in touch with her dad. Her life is ok but after she meets the new teacher, everything changes. Sahara is a secret writer until the new teacher, Miss Pointy, finds out. But instead of getting on to Sahara for hiding stories in the school library, she inspires her. This book is not perfect, but reccomended. It's up and down emotional feelings will drive the readers crazy until they finish it. Everybody should have the oppurtunity to read this book.

Guest

More than 1 year ago

I really think the reason this was a great book is because of all the meanings in has and how it has to do with the life from a girl in special ed to a boy in her class that needs help because of the way his mom treats him!! and smacks him in the head! and how sahara must learn to deal with her dad leaving her and her mom..

Guest

More than 1 year ago

It was touching in a way I don't know. I cried at the end. This is what I call a vividly written book. You can really imagine what is going on! I think it is a book in which the story can happen in real life, but in Sahara's case, you don't want to believe it has happened to her. Sometimes it's sad. Sahara Special is a mix of reality, emotions, and this book is definetely special!

Guest

More than 1 year ago

I read Sahara Special after christmas. It was a good book. The author described Sahara very well! If she was real i would love to meet her!

Guest

More than 1 year ago

This is such a touching story-good descriptive words and good stories, and I especially loved the poetry. The only thing was there were a few bad words but not that bad, and I really want to read the next one!!

Guest

More than 1 year ago

I thought this book was just okay. It does teach a few lessons here and there such as, it doesn't matter how good you are at something, everyone is the same. I really liked that because it can teach other kids that are kind of in the same situation as Sahara was in.

Guest

More than 1 year ago

I thought that this book was really REALLY touching. The characters' personalities are very strong, but if you are nine years old or younger, I advise you not to read this book because it has some bad words in it.

Guest

More than 1 year ago

I really enjoyed reading this book because Esme Raji Codell wrote it so detailed and interesting, I didn't want to stop reading it. I love how the characters relate to students at our very own schools. Sahara Jones is the main character in this book and since her mother decided to hold her back, she is in the fifth grade for the second time. Darrel Sikes is the problem student in her class. He is always being disruptive and disobeying Mrs. Pointy. I admire Mrs. Point because she handles very intense situations so well, and she barely ever raises her voice. Sahara's best friend's name is Rachel, they are also cousins. Rachel and Sahara are nothing alike, Sahara keeps quiet in class and Rachel is very attentive in class. Reading this book has inspired me to let out the inner person that I may have locked up tight inside of me.

Guest

More than 1 year ago

I really enjoyed reading this book because it is so detailed and so interesting to read. Once I started reading I couldn't stop, I wanted to just keep on going to see what would happen next. I liked how the characters in the story could relate to the average students at our own schools. The name of the main character in this book is Sahara Jones. She is very uncomfortable when she is around a large group of people. Her best friend, Rachel, is also her cousin. Rachel is nothing like Sahara. Rachel is very attentive in class and she was always raising her hand, waiting to be called on. One student named Darrell Sikes, who I found the most interesting to read about, was the type of kid who did nothing but what he wanted to do. He always disobeyed the teacher and talked back to her. I admire Mrs. Pointy because she could handle very intense situations so easily, and she barely ever raised her voice to anyone. I really loved how the book ended. I don't want to spoil it so you'll just have to go and check it out! :)

Guest

More than 1 year ago

This book is truly outstanding. It combinds fear, happyness, and tears. I absolutely adore this book and I'm reccomending it to all my friends

Guest

More than 1 year ago

A great gift for a teacher or any child, whether sh/e loves to read and write or is having trouble doing so. Esme Codell is a talented and funny writer.

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